Kraftwerk relies on WATCHOUT for Stereoscopic 3D and Live interactivity

German electro pop pioneers, Kraftwerk will use the dynamic interactive and 3D features of Dataton WATCHOUT™ multi-image and presentation software, for all on-stage digital scenography at their hotly anticipated tours and concerts’ programme throughout 2013.

Formed in 1970, Kraftwerk began using Stereoscopic 3D for the MoMA concerts and ”Way out West” Swedish Rock Festival in Spring 2012.

WATCHOUT manages projected 3D content on a large stage backdrop creating a powerful abstract presence in front of audiences wearing polarized 3D glasses. Two more WATCHOUT channels feed the flanking LED screens. To create the lighting effects on the four oversized illuminated keyboards, a Pixel-gate LED video controller uses an additional DVI output from the main screen using the WATCHOUT “Tier” feature. The main timeline in WATCHOUT is chasing timecode from Kraftwerk synthesizers (MTC converted into SMPTE). The Kraftwerk synthesizers are also used for live visual interaction controlled via MIDI commands.

The new features of WATCHOUT version 5 enable live manipulation of content. Media objects can be positioned, rotated and moved in 3D in real-time from external control systems, musical instruments, lighting consoles, mobile devices and sensors to control on-screen elements such as images, video, Stereoscopic 3D movies and live feeds as required.

Fredrik Svahnberg, Marketing Director at Dataton says: “Kraftwerk are known for their use of bold graphics and colours. They are using our technology in a very easy to use, yet powerful way to engage audiences around the world. We’re looking forward to seeing Kraftwerk use the new 3D, interactive and dynamic media streaming features of WATCHOUT in 2013 and beyond.”

Kraftwerk at upcoming Dusseldorf and London concerts

Several upcoming Kraftwerk concerts will incorporate Stereoscopic 3D effects as well as 3D sound.

Kraftwerk's first performance in Düsseldorf, Germany since 1991, performances called 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 are taking place at the Kunstsammlung Nordrhein-Westfalen Museum, first from January 11 - 13, then 16 - 20. Like the MoMA shows, Kraftwerk will play one album per date and will be accompanied by 3D visuals, which actually involve audiences. Running alongside the performance programme, a photo exhibition, Kraftwerk, runs from January 11 at the Forum Nordrhein-Westfalen Museum.

In London, Kraftwerk will perform at Tate Modern's cavernous Turbine Hall for eight nights, first from February 6-9, then 11-14, and are their first live London performances since 2004. The band will perform one studio album in full on each night and combine it with visual backdrops, including interactive 3D projections and animation.